Objective To explore the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)combined with diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone.Methods A total of 80 patients with prostate lesions in the peripheral zone were selected.With biopsy results as the gold standard,the patients were divided into benign prostate lesion group and malignant prostate lesion group.The value of DCE-MRI combined with DWI in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone was analyzed.Results Prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level in the malignant prostate lesion group was significantly higher than that in the benign prostate lesion group(P＜0.05).The Ktrans,Kep and Ve in the malignant prostate lesion group were significantly higher than those in the benign prostate lesion group(P＜0.05),and the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value was significantly lower than that in the benign prostate lesion group(P＜0.05).According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis,the evaluation model was established.Receiver oper-ating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)for distinguishing benign and malignant pros-tate lesions in the peripheral zone was 0.905,the sensitivity and specificity were 0.735 and 0.950.Pearson correlation analysis showed that the Ktrans,Kep and Ve were positively correlated with PSA level in the malignant prostate lesion group,while the ADC value was negatively correlated with PSA level(P＜0.05).Conclusion The quantitative parameters(Ktrans,Kep and Ve)of DCE-MRI and ADC value of DWI are independent influencing factors of malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone.The evaluation model construc-ted based on these factors has high value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone.

Objective:To explore the effects and possible mechanism of intestinal microbiota on lung injury in mice with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP).Methods:The experimental mice were randomly assigned to normal control group (CON group), ANP model group (ANP group) and intestinal germ-free group (ABX group), with 6 mice in each group. The ANP mouse model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein (100 μg/kg, for 10 times) at an interval of 1 hour each time, followed by 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide injection. Mice in ABX group were treated by Abx solution (0.5 g/L vancomycin, 1 g/L neomycin, 1 g/L metronidazole, and 1 g/L ampicillin), 1 ml/100 g gavage for 28 days before preparation of the ANP model. The CON group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of PBS. Histopathologic examination of the pancreas, lungs, and terminal ileum was routinely performed. Serum amylase levels were measured using enzymatic kinetic chemistry, and serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were measured using ELISA assay. Expression of inflammatory factors, pyroptosis-related molecules in lung tissue and intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the pyroptosis molecules caspase-1 and GSDMD in lung tissue, and intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins. Changes of bacterial distribution in lung tissue were measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results:The pathological scores of pancreatic tissue of CON, ANP, and ABX group were (0.67±0.26), (7.33±0.82), and (5.67±0.81); the pathological scores of lung tissue were (1.67±0.41), (5.67±0.41), and (3.58±0.58); the pathological scores of ileal tissue were (0.58±0.52), (3.83±0.75), and (4.33±0.82); the serum amylase levels were (403.95±93.11), (1037.24±126.77), and (647.32±145.90)U/L; the MPO levels in lung tissue were (0.23±0.03), (0.63±0.09), and (0.48±0.05)U/g. ABX group had significantly lower scores in pancreatic and lung tissues, serum amylase levels, and MPO levels in lung tissue compared to ANP group, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). The expression level in pancreatis tissue from CON, ANP and ABX group of IL-1β mRNA was 1.84±0.90, 36.26±5.56 and 16.65±6.43, IL-6 mRNA was 1.07±0.15, 2.90±0.42 and 1.34±0.62, TNF-α mRNA was 0.47±0.11, 0.76±0.11 and 0.46±0.07, HMGB1 mRNA was 0.38±0.02, 0.72±0.22 and 0.44±0.08, caspase-1 mRNA was 1.07±0.18, 2.04±0.31 and 0.85±0.54, ASC mRNA was 1.24±0.19, 5.68±0.41 and 3.89±1.47, GSDMD mRNA was 0.79±0.17, 0.94±0.14 and 0.61±0.08, IL-18 mRNA was 0.83±0.27, 4.17±0.79 and 3.57±0.03, respectively. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, HMGB1, caspase-1, ASC, and IL-18 mRNA in lung tissue was significantly increased in ANP group compared to the CON group; conversely, ABX group showed a significant decrease in the expression of these markers compared to ANP group; and all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). The protein level of caspase-1 in lung tissue of CON, ANP and ABX group was 1.59±0.51, 2.28±0.13, 1.38±0.47, and that of GSDMD was 1.90±0.09, 2.20±0.07 and 1.76±0.27, respectively, which in ANP group were significantly higher than in CON group, but in ABX group was significantly lower than in ANP group, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). The serum DAO levels of CON, ANP, and ABX group were (0.06±0.15), (0.52±0.11) and (0.58±0.11) ng/ml; the expression level of ileum tissue of claudin1 mRNA and protein was 0.98±0.26, 0.42±0.18, 0.32±0.24 and 1.05±0.08, 0.82±0.09, 0.19±0.04; occludin mRNA and protein was 0.91±0.07, 0.31±0.05, 0.32±0.14 and 1.03±0.07, 0.61±0.04, 0.64±0.11; ZO-1 mRNA and protein was 1.01±0.08, 0.80±0.28, 0.60±0.28, and 0.86±0.10, 0.99±0.30, 0.62±0.30. The serum DAO level was significantly elevated in both ANP and ABX groups compared to the CON group. The mRNA and protein expression of claudin-1 and occludin in both ANP and ABX groups were significantly lower than those in CON group; the expression of claudin-1 in ABX group was significantly downregulated compared to ANP group; and all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). The relative fluorescence intensities of lung tissue in CON, ANP, and ABX groups were 0.03±0.01, 0.06±0.01, and 0.04±0.01, respectively, which in ANP group was significantly higher compared to CON group, but in ABX group was significantly lower than ANP group; all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). Conclusions:Intestinal microbiota may attenuate acute pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury by inhibiting the pyroptosis pathway in lung tissue.

Objective To explore the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)combined with diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone.Methods A total of 80 patients with prostate lesions in the peripheral zone were selected.With biopsy results as the gold standard,the patients were divided into benign prostate lesion group and malignant prostate lesion group.The value of DCE-MRI combined with DWI in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone was analyzed.Results Prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level in the malignant prostate lesion group was significantly higher than that in the benign prostate lesion group(P＜0.05).The Ktrans,Kep and Ve in the malignant prostate lesion group were significantly higher than those in the benign prostate lesion group(P＜0.05),and the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value was significantly lower than that in the benign prostate lesion group(P＜0.05).According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis,the evaluation model was established.Receiver oper-ating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)for distinguishing benign and malignant pros-tate lesions in the peripheral zone was 0.905,the sensitivity and specificity were 0.735 and 0.950.Pearson correlation analysis showed that the Ktrans,Kep and Ve were positively correlated with PSA level in the malignant prostate lesion group,while the ADC value was negatively correlated with PSA level(P＜0.05).Conclusion The quantitative parameters(Ktrans,Kep and Ve)of DCE-MRI and ADC value of DWI are independent influencing factors of malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone.The evaluation model construc-ted based on these factors has high value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions in the peripheral zone.

Objective:To explore the effects and possible mechanism of intestinal microbiota on lung injury in mice with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP).Methods:The experimental mice were randomly assigned to normal control group (CON group), ANP model group (ANP group) and intestinal germ-free group (ABX group), with 6 mice in each group. The ANP mouse model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein (100 μg/kg, for 10 times) at an interval of 1 hour each time, followed by 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide injection. Mice in ABX group were treated by Abx solution (0.5 g/L vancomycin, 1 g/L neomycin, 1 g/L metronidazole, and 1 g/L ampicillin), 1 ml/100 g gavage for 28 days before preparation of the ANP model. The CON group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of PBS. Histopathologic examination of the pancreas, lungs, and terminal ileum was routinely performed. Serum amylase levels were measured using enzymatic kinetic chemistry, and serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were measured using ELISA assay. Expression of inflammatory factors, pyroptosis-related molecules in lung tissue and intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the pyroptosis molecules caspase-1 and GSDMD in lung tissue, and intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins. Changes of bacterial distribution in lung tissue were measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results:The pathological scores of pancreatic tissue of CON, ANP, and ABX group were (0.67±0.26), (7.33±0.82), and (5.67±0.81); the pathological scores of lung tissue were (1.67±0.41), (5.67±0.41), and (3.58±0.58); the pathological scores of ileal tissue were (0.58±0.52), (3.83±0.75), and (4.33±0.82); the serum amylase levels were (403.95±93.11), (1037.24±126.77), and (647.32±145.90)U/L; the MPO levels in lung tissue were (0.23±0.03), (0.63±0.09), and (0.48±0.05)U/g. ABX group had significantly lower scores in pancreatic and lung tissues, serum amylase levels, and MPO levels in lung tissue compared to ANP group, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). The expression level in pancreatis tissue from CON, ANP and ABX group of IL-1β mRNA was 1.84±0.90, 36.26±5.56 and 16.65±6.43, IL-6 mRNA was 1.07±0.15, 2.90±0.42 and 1.34±0.62, TNF-α mRNA was 0.47±0.11, 0.76±0.11 and 0.46±0.07, HMGB1 mRNA was 0.38±0.02, 0.72±0.22 and 0.44±0.08, caspase-1 mRNA was 1.07±0.18, 2.04±0.31 and 0.85±0.54, ASC mRNA was 1.24±0.19, 5.68±0.41 and 3.89±1.47, GSDMD mRNA was 0.79±0.17, 0.94±0.14 and 0.61±0.08, IL-18 mRNA was 0.83±0.27, 4.17±0.79 and 3.57±0.03, respectively. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, HMGB1, caspase-1, ASC, and IL-18 mRNA in lung tissue was significantly increased in ANP group compared to the CON group; conversely, ABX group showed a significant decrease in the expression of these markers compared to ANP group; and all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). The protein level of caspase-1 in lung tissue of CON, ANP and ABX group was 1.59±0.51, 2.28±0.13, 1.38±0.47, and that of GSDMD was 1.90±0.09, 2.20±0.07 and 1.76±0.27, respectively, which in ANP group were significantly higher than in CON group, but in ABX group was significantly lower than in ANP group, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). The serum DAO levels of CON, ANP, and ABX group were (0.06±0.15), (0.52±0.11) and (0.58±0.11) ng/ml; the expression level of ileum tissue of claudin1 mRNA and protein was 0.98±0.26, 0.42±0.18, 0.32±0.24 and 1.05±0.08, 0.82±0.09, 0.19±0.04; occludin mRNA and protein was 0.91±0.07, 0.31±0.05, 0.32±0.14 and 1.03±0.07, 0.61±0.04, 0.64±0.11; ZO-1 mRNA and protein was 1.01±0.08, 0.80±0.28, 0.60±0.28, and 0.86±0.10, 0.99±0.30, 0.62±0.30. The serum DAO level was significantly elevated in both ANP and ABX groups compared to the CON group. The mRNA and protein expression of claudin-1 and occludin in both ANP and ABX groups were significantly lower than those in CON group; the expression of claudin-1 in ABX group was significantly downregulated compared to ANP group; and all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). The relative fluorescence intensities of lung tissue in CON, ANP, and ABX groups were 0.03±0.01, 0.06±0.01, and 0.04±0.01, respectively, which in ANP group was significantly higher compared to CON group, but in ABX group was significantly lower than ANP group; all the differences were statistically significant (all P values <0.05). Conclusions:Intestinal microbiota may attenuate acute pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury by inhibiting the pyroptosis pathway in lung tissue.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, is characterized by synovitis and progressive damage to the bone and cartilage of the joints, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. This study was a randomized clinical trial comparing the outcomes between withdrawal and dose reduction of tofacitinib in patients with RA who achieved sustained disease control. METHODS: The study was designed as a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients who were taking tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily) and had achieved sustained RA remission or low disease activity (disease activity score in 28 joints [DAS28] ≤3.2) for at least 3 months were enrolled at six centers in Shanghai, China. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of three treatment groups: continuation of tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily); reduction in tofacitinib dose (5 mg daily); and withdrawal of tofacitinib. Efficacy and safety were assessed up to 6 months. RESULTS: Overall, 122 eligible patients were enrolled, with 41 in the continuation group, 42 in the dose-reduction group, and 39 in the withdrawal group. After 6 months, the percentage of patients with a DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of <3.2 was significantly lower in the withdrawal group than that in the reduction and continuation groups (20.5%, 64.3%, and 95.1%, respectively; P  < 0.0001 for both comparisons). The average flare-free time was 5.8 months for the continuation group, 4.7 months for the dose reduction group, and 2.4 months for the withdrawal group. CONCLUSION: Withdrawal of tofacitinib in patients with RA with stable disease control resulted in a rapid and significant loss of efficacy, while standard or reduced doses of tofacitinib maintained a favorable state. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chictr.org, ChiCTR2000039799.
Humans ; Quality of Life ; China ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Piperidines/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Pyrroles/therapeutic use*

Background:Acute lung injury(ALI)is the most common organ dysfunction in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).Somatostatin analogue octreotide is a common used drug in acute pancreatitis.Aims:To explore the protective mechanism of octreotide on lung injury in SAP mice.Methods:In the first part,the experimental mice were randomly assigned into four groups.SAP model was induced by caerulin and lipopolysaccharide,and the mice were sacrificed 24 hours,48 hours and 72 hours after establishment.HE staining was used to observe the pathological score of pancreas and lung.Serum amylase and lung tissue myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were detected.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC),caspase-1,Gasdermin D(GSDMD),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and inflammatory factors IL-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,high mobility group protein B1(HMGB1)in lung tissue.Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3),caspase-1,GSDMD and IL-1β in lung tissue.In the second part,mice were randomly divided into control group,SAP group,and octreotide group.HE staining was used to observe the pathological score of pancreas and lung.Serum amylase and lung tissue MPO activity were detected.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules caspase-1,ASC,IL-1β,IL-18 and inflammatory factors IL-6,TNF-α,HMGB1.Immunofluorescence was used to detect protein expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1,GSDMD,ASC,IL-1β in lung tissue.Results:In the first part,compared with control group,pathological score of pancreas and lung tissue,serum amylase and MPO activity were significantly increased in SAP group(all P<0.05),mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules caspase-1,ASC,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and inflammatory factors IL-6,TNF-α,HMGB1 were significantly increased(all P<0.05),protein expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1,GSDMD and IL-1β in lung tissue were significantly increased(all P<0.05),especially in 24 hours after establishment group.In the second part,compared with SAP group,pathological score of pancreas and lung tissue,serum amylase were significantly decreased in octreotide group(all P<0.05),mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules caspase-1,ASC,IL-1β,IL-18 and inflammatory factors IL-6,TNF-α,HMGB1 were significantly decreased in lung tissue in octreotide group(all P<0.05),protein expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1,GSDMD,ASC and IL-1β in lung tissue were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusions:Cell pyroptosis is involved in the occurrence and development of lung injury in SAP mice,and octreotide may attenuate lung injury in SAP mice by inhibiting pyroptosis.

Purpose To summarize the clinical features, MRI features and pathological features of aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) occurring in pelvic and perineal areas. Materials and Methods The clinical, MR and pathological data of 7 patients with AAM pathologically confirmed were retrospectively analyzed. Results Seven cases of AAM were all females, aged from 12 to 45 years old. Among them, 5 cases were treated due to perineal area tumors, and 2 cases due to relapses after surgical treatment of perineal area AAM in other hospitals. MRI findings: 7 cases were single occurrence with the maximum diameter of 5.9-15.7 cm; 6 cases were in irregular shape, with no envelope and unclear borders with adjacent tissues or organs; 1 case was in long column shape with clear boundary and pseudocapsule visible. On T1WI, AAM showed equal signal (4/7) or equal, low mixed signal (3/7). On T2WI, AAM showed high and low mixed signals with 5 cases of "vortex sign". 5 cases underwent routine enhancement examinations, all demonstrating significant enhancement, 4 cases of which displayed heterogeneous enhancement ("vortex sign" was detected in 2 cases) and 1 case homogeneous enhancement. On diffusion weighted imaging, AAM manifested as homogeneous (3/7) or heterogeneous (4/7) high signal. Pathological examination showed that a large amount of mucin-like matrix was contained in AAM, and there were scattered fusiform and astral tumor cells and abundant arterial and venous blood vessels seen locally. Tumor cells infiltrated the peripheral fat or muscle tissues at the border. Conclusion The characteristic MRI of AAM is manifested as "vortex sign", which corresponds to its pathological features such as sparse tumor cells, mucin-like matrix in large amount, and locally rich blood vessels, suggesting great significance for imaging diagnosis.